Caroline Springs College student Nabilah nominated her environmental science teacher Annie Tsangaridis for a World Teacher’s Day award. 72780 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Laura Wakely
LOOKING for one of the best teachers in Victoria?
At the bottom of the garden at Caroline Springs College Lakeview campus, among the ponds and native grass, you’ll find Annie Tsangaridis, a passionate environmentalist and one of 10 recipients of the Victorian Institute of Teaching World Teacher’s Day awards.
The environmental science teacher was nominated by her students and colleagues for the award, which recognises some of Victoria’s 98,000 qualified teachers.
“I was really happy (when she heard about the award), I did not expect it,” Annie said.
“It’s amazing.”
Although she studied education, teaching was never Annie’s plan – she thought her career would focus on science.
But during trial placements in schools Annie “accidentally” fell in love with the job.
“Everyday’s a new day,” she said.
Annie has been instrumental in creating a native grassland at the school and is currently working towards a silver accreditation for water saving, having already helped the school achieve bronze.
But the humble teacher takes none of the credit.
“It’s good to encourage them (students), but the kids have done it all themselves,” Annie said.
“They came up with the design (for the native garden), they built it… the kids are really proud of that.”
It’s clear Annie’s green thumb has rubbed off on the Year 10 and 11 students she teaches.
“When they get into my class they say ‘shall we turn off the lights and open the blinds’,” Annie said.
“They tell me ‘you’d be so proud of me miss, I turned off all the standby products in our house and got my mum to recycle properly.
“It’s great to hear that feedback.”
Annie has also involved the community in her class projects, asking retirees and local businesses, like Bunnings, to help out and impart their own knowledge on students.
The school is holding their grand opening for the native garden on Thursday 1 December and Annie is hoping the whole community will join in the celebration of what the kids have achieved.
To find out more about the gardens contact Caroline Springs College on 9361 4203.
